IRVINE, Calif. – The Golden Eagles upset No. 8 Pepperdine and also reached their first win against the Waves in program history after 11 contests between the two. The CUI men's volleyball played all out as they beat the ranked team in just four sets with scores 18-25, 25-17, 25-17, and 26-24.

 
The block party was in full effect as every player on the court playing front row contributed one way or another up at the net defensively. The middles shined throughout the match as Cole Vigo put up a team-high of three solo blocks and five block assists. Gil Herold had two solo and block assists not to mention going seven-for-nine while hitting a .778.
 

Uriel Batista led the Green and Gold with 22 kills and six digs. Batista contributed up at the net with two solo and block assists that were not able to be returned by the Waves. Freshman Gage Doble finished with 12 kills and hit an impressive .550. Doble led CUI with two service aces from the back line and Johnny Anselmo picked up three kills and four digs.

 
Nathan Biteau returned as the setter and dished out 38 assists while libero Jacob Reilly had four assists and five digs.

 
In the second and third set of the match the Golden Eagles did not allow the Waves to go on runs and held the hitters to hit only .250 in the second and .111 in the third. The offense was lights out as they were able to execute crucial kills along with blocks to shut down the Pepperdine offense.

 
The Golden Eagles will be on the road as they finish the Pepperdine series on Saturday Apr. 8 with a 6 p.m. start. CUI will have their last home game of the 2023 season on Thursday Apr. 13 at 7 p.m. while honoring their seniors.
 

To see the full CUI men's volleyball schedule click HERE.